First Reading: (Isaiah 7:10–14; 8:10)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 40)
Response: Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Second Reading: (Hebrews 10:4–10)
Alleluia, Alleluia.
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us; and we saw his glory.
Alleluia.
Gospel: (Luke 1:26–38)
Reflection
Happy Feast of the Annunciation.
Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, the moment when God’s eternal plan for the salvation of humanity began to unfold in time. This is the first Joyful Mystery, the moment when heaven touched earth in a decisive and irreversible way.
God had a plan to save the mankind from sin and death. But remarkably, He chose not to act alone. He chose to depend on a human channel. That channel was Mary.
Think about that.
God, who is all-powerful, chose to wait for the “yes” of a young woman. He chose cooperation over coercion. He chose invitation over imposition.
Mary did not fully understand what was being asked of her. She had never encountered an angel before. She was young, betrothed, and living in a society that would not easily accept her situation. Humanly speaking, everything about this request was overwhelming, even frightening.
And yet, her response changed history:
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”
That is availability.
That is surrender.
That is faith.
One of the greatest lessons from today’s solemnity is this: God works through available hearts, not perfect people.
We often wonder why God chooses certain people. Why Mary? Why Peter, with all his weaknesses? Why David, the youngest and least expected? Why Jacob, despite his flaws?
The answer is not perfection, it is disposition.
God does not choose the most qualified; He qualifies the chosen. He looks not at appearances, but at the heart. He looks for humility, docility, and willingness.
We are all, in a sense, blunt instruments. Imperfect. Limited. Broken in different ways. Yet in the hands of God, even a blunt instrument can accomplish something precise and beautiful.
What matters is not how sharp you are, but whether you are available.
Some people are talented but unavailable. Others are gifted but proud. Some have everything the world admires intelligence, beauty, wealth, but lack the one thing God desires most: a willing heart.
Mary had that heart.
She did not argue. She did not delay. She did not demand full understanding. She simply trusted, and said yes.
And that “yes” allowed the Word to become flesh.
Interestingly, God is still writing His story in the world today. And He is still looking for human channels. He is still asking:
Can I use you?
Are you available?
Will you trust me even when you do not understand?
Too often, we respond with excuses:
“I am busy.”
“I am not ready.”
“I am not worthy.”
But God already knows all of that. He knows your weaknesses. He knows your limitations. He knows where you struggle.
And yet, He still calls.
Moses said he could not speak. Jeremiah said he was too young. But God did not withdraw His call, He supplied the grace.
Because grace builds on nature, and God’s grace is always sufficient.
What He needs from you is not perfection, but permission.
Not strength, but surrender.
Not brilliance, but availability.
So instead of asking, “Why does God use others?” ask yourself:
“Am I available for God to use me?”
Mary teaches us that greatness in God’s eyes begins with a simple, humble “yes.”
Today, let that be your prayer:
“Lord, I may be weak. I may be imperfect. But I am available. Use me for your glory.”
And if you can say that sincerely, then like Mary, you become a channel through which God can change the world.
Amen.
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